초록 ▼

A thin film photovoltaic module has transparent electrodes on front and back surfaces of a semiconductive layer. In one embodiment, both transparent electrodes pass light to the semiconductive layer for photovoltaic purposes. In another embodiment, the back electrode passes light which enters throug

A thin film photovoltaic module has transparent electrodes on front and back surfaces of a semiconductive layer. In one embodiment, both transparent electrodes pass light to the semiconductive layer for photovoltaic purposes. In another embodiment, the back electrode passes light which enters through the front electrode and is not absorbed by the semiconductive layer, so that the module is selectively transparent to the unabsorbed light. The spectral makeup of the transmitted light is controlled by controlling the optical characteristics of the layers of the module. The index of refraction of the back electrode is a primary source of transmission control, along with the refractive index of the front electrode and the thickness of the semiconductive layer itself. Light transmitted by the module can be used for nonphotovoltaic purposes, such as illuminating the interior of a vehicle or dwelling, or may be directed back into the semiconductive layer by a reflective surface behind the back electrode.

대표청구항 ▼

Combined photovoltaic and solar thermal apparatus comprising: a photovoltaic module having: a thin film semiconductor layer containing at least one photovoltaic region and having front and back oppositely directed major surfaces; a transparent front electrode which provides electrical connection to

Combined photovoltaic and solar thermal apparatus comprising: a photovoltaic module having: a thin film semiconductor layer containing at least one photovoltaic region and having front and back oppositely directed major surfaces; a transparent front electrode which provides electrical connection to the front surface of the semiconductive layer and transmits incident solar radiation to the semiconductive layer over a preselected spectrum; and a transparent back electrode which provides electrical connection to the back surface of the semiconductive layer and optically couples the semiconductive layer to the atmosphere to permit transmission by the module of at least a portion of the radiation not absorbed by the semiconductive layer; at least one of said electrodes comprising zinc oxide; and solar thermal apparatus positioned behind the photovoltaic module and spaced therefrom to absorb infrared radiation passed by the photovoltaic module.